I'm here. I am in my co-op study room. Incredibly enough, I was assigned to the nicest room here. It's nicknamed "the lavender lounge," because the walls are of that light purple hue. And it's a bit separated from the rest of the rooms, which is nice because it will be a lot quieter. All the first years at the lodge have "big sisters." So my big sister's family is from Hood River, and she says she really loves it and hopes to move back there. What a coincidence. Three or four people here are also in the ag. science area too. Everyone is super nice (so far). Only one of my study roommates is here now..don't know when the other one will arrive. I picked out a top bunk in the sleeping porch. It's at the end of the best row (not by the main corridor). But, it's frickin' cold up there. The windows are kept open year-round for health reasons/air circulation (Becky commented "health reasons-bacteria vs. so cold your immune system is compromised?). Plus my down comforter hadn't arrived, so I just have a few blankets. And I am right next to a window. I was told that if I was on a bottom bunk I'd get rained on. And yet some people said "top bunk? that's too bad"; I don't know, but I think I can live with it once I get a few more blankets, the comforter, a sleeping bag, insulating under wear, a wool hat, and possibly a smallish 'brella to shield me from the cold wind that will no doubt cause me to become ill. Anyway, mom is spending the night at a nearby hotel, tomorrow we're going to find me a cell phone. Hopefully.

Luckily I'll have unlimited laundry facility use. There are two washers and two dryers I think, drying racks, and a vending machine. Plus there's a huge study room with tons of couches and chairs, and a TV room, and an expansive kitchen with a lot of food for students. We can even keep our perishable food items in a community fridge. Will have to help cook dinner one night per term and have regular house cleaning duties. But I don't think it will be that bad.

Incredibly sad leaving home though, saying goodbye to Tim, and Bosun and Priscilla. I'll be back soon enough, it's just going to be difficult adjusting to a more independent/self directed lifestyle. I brought my old platypus plush. It's my way of letting people know I'm not competitive..it looks like a cross between a beaver and a duck. There's a lot of activities planned for this week, socials with other co-ops and dances and whatnot, and a "late night at Fred Meyer" during which stuff is given away and people scramble madly to obtain the best deals.